Join me for an enchanting seven-day getaway in Tuscany— in one of several Medieval castles or a 16th century restored monastery—to paint from life with the goal of creating an oil portrait in a landscape as exemplified in many Renaissance portraits.
Our time painting from the model will be spent inside, while some of the time will be spent painting the landscape en plein air.
If you are enthusiastic about portraiture and landscape as a subject, and are a beginner or advanced painter in pursuit of adventure and community, this is THE workshop for you!
Time not painting is dedicated to special activities enjoyed by all painters and accompanying family/companions which, depending upon the venue, may include: learning to make pasta, learning to make cheese, tasting nationally and internationally-awarded wines, swimming in the glorious outdoor pool, exploring the mysteries of the castle, strolling through the vineyards and gardens and discovering the secrets of the surrounding valley, or visits to neighboring historic cities like Siena or Pienza.
The maximum number of Painting Participants is 7 per retreat.
The maximum number total–Painting Participants + Non-Painting Companions–is 16 per retreat.
Retreat Locations
Upcoming Retreats
- 2022 – TBD
Click the Retreat that interests you for all details, including the daily schedule, room choices and cost.
Should none of the above dates work for you and your group, Custom Retreats are possible. Please contact me using the Questions form below for inquiries.
—Timothy Joseph Allen
Your Painting Teacher and Renaissance Retreat Organizer
Video Highlights from the October, 2019 Retreat
Video Highlights from Past Retreats
- October 6th to October 13th, 2019
- May 26th to June 2nd, 2019
- September 16th to September 23rd, 2018
- May 20th to May 27th, 2018
Meet the Painter and Organizer, Timothy Joseph Allen

Tim working on a recent portrait in his studio in Rome.
Greetings! My name is Tim. I’ve been a figurative painter since 1992, I’ve lived in Italy since 1998, I’ve taught at The American University of Rome since 2006, and I have managed and directed my own painting school in Rome–The Painting and Drawing Art Studio of Rome–since 2010.
I’ve been doing these Retreats since the Spring of 2018. They are truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
I hope to see you in Tuscany!
–Tim
For more about Tim and his paintings, please visit his website.